Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16578, Jacob French, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
French, Jacob Esther
N. 16578
CONTENTS

6 New York (A.) 2, 181.
to Esther French,
widow of Jacob French, deceased,
who died on the in the year 1817, of Erie Co. in the State of New York, who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Briggs of the reg't, commanded by in the Massachusetts line for militia Mass two years, private.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York, Albany at the rate of 80 Dollars cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of July, 1838, and sent to the Hon. Millard Fillmore, H.R. of R.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838, $560.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. " 40.00
$600.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d }
Recor
L. T. Rhodes Clerk Vol. 2, Page 108.
Dead. let to Le Grand Mearns Mar 31. 1840. Let to R. Smith, May 6. 1842.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of April 6 th 1838 from 4 th March 1839 to 1 st Aug t 1840 Ag t notified June 4 th 1842

List of papers herewith
 1. This List of papers.  2. Declaration of Esther French applicant for the Pension  3. Deposition of Mrs Fanny Hall - daughter of applicant  4. Do " L. Grant Marvin - of counsel - showing facts of identity  5. Paper "A" that person (widow) from circumstances showing first information of Mrs French to her counsel.  6. Certificate "B" - being  1 - Govt. Evans's certificate Joel Talbot being justice etc.  2. Certificate of Town Clerk of Houghton showing marriage of Jacob & Esther French May 26th 1779.  3. Town clerk (James Swan) letter showing what can be probably proven -    7. Do "C" - being  1 - Govt. Evans's certificate Joel Talbot being justice etc.  2 - letter from Joel Talbot to Mrs. French's counsel.    8. Do "D" - being off the why he did not procure more depositions.   1 - Govt. Evans's certificate Jesse Pierce being justice etc.  2 - deposition of Edward French -  3 - deposition of Thomas Cambell  4 - Do " - Ezra Waters -  5 - Certificate from order book Town Houghton  6 - Do of record kept by Samuel Talbot a Lieut. in the Revolution -    9. Statement E. of the services of Jacob French as per letter of James Swan, Town Clerk see Certif: "B" above  10. Do - F. of the do of do as per depositions & certificate in certificate "D" above. making services 3 years & 5 days - & marriage took place prior to last 2 period services.  All of which is respectfully submitted - with a confidence of the justness & sufficiency of the claim, - that Providence shall have thus shown his direction in his own way to feed or at least to aid a respectable tho. very poor family.
L. Grant Marvin of Buffalo N.Y. 19 May '38

State of New York
Erie County } ss; On this 24 th day of May A.D. 1838: before me the undersigned, a judge of Erie County Courts and of the degree of Counsellor of the Supreme Court of said State personally appeared Esther Neal French, a resident of the City of of Buffalo in said County aged 78 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by act of Congress for widows of deceased officers and soldiers: That she is the widow of Jacob French, who was a private both in the militia and in the Continental army in the American Revolution - That she has heard read the annexed certificate of James Talbot Town Clerk of Houghton Norfolk County and State of Massachusetts. & That she is the Esther Neal men- tioned in said certificate as having been married to Jacob French: That she became acquainted with said Jacob French when she was but of the age of twelve years to wit: about 1771: That said Jacob then lived in the same family with her. - That the parents of said Jacob French resided about 12 miles from her, then and for some 16 years until the decease of the father of said Jacob: That the name of the father of said Jacob - That the name of the father of said Jacob was also Jacob. That before she was so married she knew that said Jacob Junior was in the same family with her in said Houghton - So soon as the first alarm was given that the British had been out of Boston to Lexington & killed several persons, he started forthwith for the neighborhood of Boston - That she recollects he (Jacob Junior) was then 8 months in the army recollects he was called one of the 8 months men & again until the British evacuated Boston to go to New York - That she recollects of his going again to Ticonder- oga New York - again to Cherry Valley - Stillwater - Battlekill - White Plains - West Point - & to neighborhood of New York City from all which Places she recollects to have received letters from said Jacob Jr. before & after her marriage - That he was gone so into the State of New York as a Revolutionary soldier several times & for different periods - That he was gone several times on shorter

periods in the Army but to which he was attached & how long the precise places she does not now recollect. — That she has often heard her husband compute the time he was actually engaged as a soldier in the Revolutionary Army & she knows positively he always fixed such time as fifty four months and she believes that her said husband from her own acquaintance with him & knowledge that said Jacob Jr. was in the Revolutionary Army — & actually served therein fifty four months: — That she lived with her husband after she was so married till he died in Simsbury in the State of Connecticut in 1817: — That he was professionally a teacher of Sacred music in singing schools in winters until he settled in Simsbury some two or three years before his death — That since the decease of her husband Jacob French she has not been again married — has lived mostly with her chil- -dren as stated in the deposition of Fanny Hall who is her daughter —
Subscribed & sworn to this 24 th day of May 1838: the day before first above written by Esther French acknowledged before me at her residence She being too feeble to go out of her residence to an office, or to attend Court — So enfeebled by age & that the exertion the same in my presence being so blind as to be hardly able to see the paper —
Esther French
E. P. Stevens Judge of Probate County Court

State of New York
Erie County S.S. Fanny Hall of the City of Buffalo in said County aged forty eight years personally appeared before me the undersigned and being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, say that she was born as she has always understood and supposed on the 22 nd day of October A.D. 1789 - at Walpole - in the State of Massachusetts that she is the daughter of Jacob and Esther French, that she continued to reside with her parents until she attained the age of about thirteen years, when she went to reside at home from home mostly with minor Hilliard - Mechanic - of Tolland in the county of Tolland & State of Connecticut. until she learned the trade of a tailoress & seamstress and subsequently in the county of New London in said State - in Middletown in the State of Connecticut - again with her brother in Mansfield Connecticut until the year 1814 - when she was married to Nathrop Stone; that she then removed with her husband to the State of New York & resided in different places until he died in the town of Clarence in said county of Erie in 1825: that she was married in 1830 to her 2 nd husband Russell Hall - & with him removed to & resided in Centerville in the county of Allegany & State of New York and afterwards in 1834: removed to the county of Erie: That Jacob French, the father of this deponent - resided at different places until about 1815 - when he settled in Simsbury, in the county of Hartford & State of Connecticut. - that this deponent did not live at home at the time of her said father's decease. - but had frequent communication with her father & his family - that she was first informed of the decease of her said father by her brother Anson A. French - in the year 1817: and has always understood and believed her father died in the month of May 1817: - that soon after & in the year 1817: Sally Blakesley a sister of this deponent visited this deponent then residing in Columbus in the county of Chenango and State of New York. & related to this deponent the scene & circumstances of said Jacob French's decease the May previous at which said sister represented this deponent believed she was present. - This deponent further says that Esther French is the mother of this deponent, that since the decease of her

husbands Jacob French, she (Esther French) has never again been married; that since the decease of this deponents father in 1817. - her said mother has resided with this deponent a great part of the time, to wit - a few months in the same year. & subsequently to the decease of the said Jacob French, and again from the year 1821: about four years and until the decease of this deponents husband Lathrop Stone when owing to the circumstances of this deponents family; said Esther French went to reside with this deponents brother William French in Rochester in the County of Monroe & State of New York & again in 1834 with this deponents family - in said County of Erie some year or more & afterwards she resided with this deponents said sister Sally Blakesley in the County of Warren and State of Pennsylvania, until the decease of said Sally in 1836: & afterwards came yet again to reside with this deponent in said City of Buffalo where she now resides - That her said mother (Esther French) has been nearly blind for about four years so much so as to be incapacitated to perform any labor requiring the use of vision & as to be unable to distinguish a person by sight even when very near her - That said Esther has no property - is dependant on her children for her subsistence - that her children are all of but little property and of scanty means for their own support by industry & great economy.
Subscribed & sworn to this 24 th day of May 1838
Fanny Foss
Frederick P. Stevens
Judge of Erie County Courts
Therby Certify that the above named deponent is a credible person -
J. P. Stevens Judge of Erie County Courts -

State of New York
On Court 8/2: On this 24 th day of May A D 1838- personally appeared before me the undersigned & I stand a Counsellor of the several Courts in said state & in the U.S. Circuit Court, with whom I am acquainted - aged thirty years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath say that on January 10 th 1838 - Mrs. Fanny Hall of the City of Buffalo called on him at his office in said City - told him that she had had been advised by a friend of hers to call on him to consult whether her mother Esther French, was not entitled to a pension as a widow of a Revolutionary Soldier - that said Fanny further said that her father Jacob French resided in Lissa was in the Army several years & was during the Revolution married to his wife Esther French who now lives in Chautauqua County - New York - Jacob French has been dead 20 years - Said deponent further says that on January 21 st 1838 - he accompanied to Washington D. C. to a member of Congress and on January 27 th 1838 received from his friend at Washington directions under the Laws of 1836 & 1837 - touching pensions - Said deponent further says that on February 2, 1838 - said Fanny again called on him at his office and further informed him that her father "Jacob French married in Houghton, Mass. - Esther Neal - an adopted daughter of Deacon Estheon of Houghton - Norfolk County - & were married by Rev. — Adams."
Said deponent further says that on February 20, 1838 - he called at the house of Mrs. Fanny Hall, in said City - and there saw a woman who in every respect, corresponds with general appearance and infirmities as is set forth in the declaration of Esther Neal French hereto annexed - and whom he (said deponent) believes to be the Esther French she

represents herself to be in that prior to his so calling at Mrs. French's house, he was informed Mrs. French had been brought down from near Jamesstown Chautauqua County New York by her son in law Mr. Blakesley; that Mrs. French then gave said deponent a history of her remi- niscences of her husband's services in the army. Which reminiscences he wrote down in pencil but has since been copied by his clerk verba- tim & the copy thereof - being a true copy is hereto attached marked "A". — Said deponent further saith, that he wrote the purport of the in- formation so obtained from Mrs. French in a letter and therein put certain questions and directed same to "Your Clerk, Houghton Mass!" & mailed same at the Post Office in said City February 20 th 1838: — That on March 31-1838; he received in reply to the same the certificate hereto annexed marked "B". — That again on April 11. 1838 - he mailed a letter super- scribed "Josiah Talbot Esq. Houghton, Norfolk County, Mass." asking certain questions of said Talbot and requesting the information requi- site for the purposes of Mrs. French - that on May 17-1838 - he received through the Post office in said City, the two certificates hereto annexed marked "C" & "D" with their en- closures. — Said deponent further says he has made a schedule of the time of service of said Jacob French in the Rev- olutionary army - as made out in the schedule hereto annexed marked "E". also a certain other schedule according to the information contained in the schedule hereto attached marked "F". — The said depo- nent further says that in all this matter he has acted in good faith - and believes

The said Esther French and Fanny Trull to be the individuals they profess to be - to wit the former to be the relict of said Jacob French who as Jacob French and once as Jacob French Jr was enlisted into the army of the Re- bellion - from the Town of Houghton, Mass. - and the latter Mrs Trull to be the daughter of said Jacob French - that said deponent has been several times to the rooms occupied by Mrs Trull and her family - consisting of two daughters - that they appear all to be moral industrious & economical - & withal a pious family - that after the first application of Mrs Trull as aforesaid, the situation of the said Mrs French & the scanty means of those upon whom she has to depend - & the great probability that whatever should be re- ceived would be appropriated usefully and economically, induced deponent to proceed without remuneration to ascertain whether Mrs French had any just grounds for her application for a pension, that find- ing the certificate of the Town Clerk of Houghton to so exactly accord with the prior information of Mrs French, said deponent be- came satisfied that her claim the proof would bring her within the spirit of the sec-3- of the Law passed July 3- 1836. -
Subscribed & sworn to before me this day of year first above written - A. P. Stevens Judge of Erie County Court
Edward H. Hovey
I hereby certify that above named deponent is a credible person A. P. Stevens Judge of Erie County Court

STATE OF NEW-YORK, ERIE COUNTY, CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, Cyrus H. Anderson Clerk of said County Certify that Frederick P. Stevens whose name is subscribed to the Certificates of the proofs or acknowledgments of the annexed Instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proofs or acknowledgments a Judge of Erie County Courts appointed and sworn and duly author- ized to take the same; and further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificates of proofs or acknowledgments is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County, the 21 st day of May A. D. 1838.
C. H. Anderson Clerk

"A."
1 Jacob French - born in the Town of Stoughton State of Mass. ... on July 15 1754 died in Sunbury County in May 1817
2 J. F. married to Esther Dials born Sept 15 1759 by Rev. D. Peductiah Adams Congregational minister in Upper parish Stoughton State of Mass. May 26. 1778 said Rev Adams & daughter Bill Selden was married at same place by Rev D Adams to Miss Mitchell at Mr. Coalstone. At 5 yrs old Mrs. French was given away to Gen. John Atherton by her mother in Boston
3
were present at the marriage
4
J. F. first joined the army on breaking out of Revolution near Boston at Roxbury: immediately, the next day after some were killed at Lexington, and became one of "8 month men," & remained 8 months at Roxbury: recollects Major Thayer - The town officers of Stoughton, (selectmen) at that time were Col. Gill; Capt. Endicott: lower parish; - in upper parish Major Swan, Capt. Talbot, & Lieut. Johnson.
Company Captain Regiment Col. Commanded
Before 8 months were out J. F. enlisted for one year; was absent only one night. As soon as British left Boston J. F. left with the army for York State, and was present at several engagements; J. F. dated at Stillwater, Second battle of Saratoga, Valley Forge, and thinks also at White Plains, & West Point to train; though the last from some other place. Have been a letter from Samuel French, brother of Jacob, in the Continental army. - At expiration of said year, J. F. was at home perhaps 2 months, and was in the army almost the whole time till she was married up in York State: Esther lived at home till she was 21 - when she went to Ryeinghouse. After going to Ryeinghouse Mr. French was in the army but 4 1/2 months at one time again -
Esther recollects her husband was under Genl. Schuyler & Genl. Lee
In those days the swain had to go to the Town Clerk, tell his mind, get a notice - be published - and after the publication the Town Clerk

to the swains who give it to the minister who marries them. The town clerk was then George Crossman, a poet, and did a great deal business, v er idua Master; Esther says her publication was 14 months before they were married. The marriage was deferred because she wished to first get the mg. When J. F. first went he was volunteer, afterwards enlisted for one year & sometimes was substituted.
Re: about 12 men at first started off at once took their New York bread & cheese: that Sam Atherton's Com. was on its way to Boston about 20 miles, at Milton that Samuel Atherton was one of the volunteers.
J. F. was at the battle of Bunker Hill under Gen. Putnam " " " " " Ticonderoga in the battle on a 9 months enlistment; was sick at the time dangerously, so that as to despair of getting home: soldiers there had to eat horse meat;
" " " Cherry Valley in the Fort, when Cherry Valley was burned: also the father of Jacob French; also named Jacob: Was heard of 4 officers names at Cherry Valley; but being York state officers, does not re- collect them now.
J. F. was in army    Once  8 months    "  12 "    "  9 "    "  2 " + sometimes  
Memorandum of information taken by me on this 20 Feb. 1838 - solely from the mouth of Miss Esther French Leonard's Widow of Buffalo

Huntington Ms March 28
25
Le Grand Marvin Esq attorney at Law Buffalo S. York

Letter
W. Swan Town Clerk.
Houghton March 22. '38
red — " — 30. "
pt. 2/-

Jacob French engaged in the Minute Company in March 1775 commanded by Capt. W m Briggs and went on alarm 19 th April to Roxbury and did duty 12 days, — May 1 st 1775 Jacob French Enlisted for eight months in Capt. W m Briggs Company and was stationed at Roxbury near Boston. 1776 Jan. 1 st he enlisted for one month in Capt. Sam l Payson's Company Stationed at Roxbury. 1776 Feb. 1 Jacob French enlisted in Capt. Leedich Southworth's Company for two months at Dorchester hill July 1776 Jacob French enlisted in the Continental Service till the last of Nov. & marched to Crown Point Capt. not known ensign Benjamin North 1777 Jacob French enlisted in the Company Col. W m Francis's Regiment & stationed at Dorchester hill near Boston. Augt 8 1777 went to Manchester in Vermont under Capt. — Bradley. June 1779 Jacob French enlisted into Continental Service and went to N. York with men that were in Capt. Stoddard's Company and Col. Joseph Vose's Regiment June 26 1780 Jacob French enlisted for the Town of Stoughton for Six months and marched for Springfield July 5 th The above is taken from some old records in Town there is men living that was out with Mr. French according to the records, I have not had time to see them should you wish for further information or any deposition you had better write to Joel Tatbot Esq. Stoughton and he will obtain it as I had the above from him you may send me five dollars should you obtain the pension which also pay what I have to pay out James Swan

A List of Marriages returned to the Town Clerk by the Rev. Sedgwick Adams
Isaac French & Esther Niles both of Stoughton
May 26 th 1779
Attest George Crossman Town Clerk
The above is a true copy from the Town records of Stoughton
Stoughton
March 22 d 1838
Attest James Swan, Town Clerk
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss March 22 d 1838 Then personally appeared the above named James Swan and made Oath that the above Certificate by him subscribed is a true copy from the records of the Town of Stoughton and I hereby certify before me and I hereby certify that Said James Swan to my own personal knowledge is clerk of the said Town of Stoughton duly chosen and qualified according to Law
Isaac Dallet Justice of the Peace

-B-
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By His Excellency EDWARD EVERETT , Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth.
To all whom it may concern:
Edward Everett
Know Ye, That Joel Salton Esquire is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk;
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commission- ed, and that to his Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this twenty first day of March, A. D. 1838; and in the Sixty Second Year of the Independence of the United States of America.

Shugartons Mass May 11
1 1/2 03 1,50
Le Grand Marvin Egan Buffalo NY

61 Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By His Excellency EDWARD EVERETT, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth.
To all whom it may concern:
Edward Everett
Know Ye, That Joel Buttolph Esq. is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commission- ed, and that to his Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this twenty second day of April, A. D. 1838. and in the Sixty second Year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
John A. Bigelow Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By His Excellency EDWARD EVERETT , Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth.
To all whom it may concern:
Edward Everett
Know Ye, That Jesse Pierce Esq. is a justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commission- ed, and that to his Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this twenty seventh day of April, A. D. 1835; and in the Sixty second Year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
John P. Bigelow Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Edward French of Sharen in the county of Norfolk and commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy- Six years testify and say that I was a Soldier of the revolutionary war I enlisted about the last of June 1780 and entered the service as a fiper at Spring- field the fore part of July the same year, from Springfield we march to west point, my brother Jacob French of Stoneham enlisted about the same time and went to Springfield with me from thence marched to west point and served

I Thomas Curtis of Stoughton in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty one years testify and say that I was a Soldier in the Revolutionary war I served as a private in a Company commanded by Capt William Briggs in the year 1775 I entered the Service about the last of April and served eight Month and was discharged about the last of December the same year, Jacob French of said Stoughton was also a Soldier and served as a private in the same Company and for the same time I did. Said Company was stationed at Rox- bury I was in the same mess with said French during the eight Months and at the expiration of said term said Jacob French enlisted again but I do not recollect what Captain he was under. Thomas Curtis
Norfolk ss April 24 th 1838 Subscribed and Sworn to before me and I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Thomas Curtis and that he is a man of veracity.
Joel Fabbott Justice of the Peace

I Asa Waters of Shrewton in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy eight years testify and say that I was a soldier of the revolutionary war and served as a private in a company of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Captain Jedediah Southworth I entered the service about the first of February 1776 and continued to serve in said company at Dorchester until about the first of April of the same year being a period of two months and Jacob French of Shrewton was a soldier and served in the same company as a private for the same time I did
I also enlisted into the Continental Service in June 1779 and entered the service at Springfield Mass with Jacob French the 25 th of July the same year and I served nine months in Capt Stoddards Company and the 1 st Regt commanded by Col Joseph Vose Gen Glowers Brigade said Jacob French served four months and a half in the same Brigade with me, in Col. Shepards Regt and I think in Capt Webbs company and a half at the expiration of the four months Joseph Belcher took the place of said Jacob French as a substitute and French went home and said French was discharged ASA Waters
Norfolk ss April 25 th 1838 Subscribed and sworn to before me, and I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with said Asa Waters and that he is a man of truth and a credible witness
Joel Fabbott Justice of the Peace
NB the above erasure was made by me before sworn to Joel Fabbott

Also To Elijah Dunbar Treasurer, the sum of Two Hundred and twenty eight Pounds, it being what he advanced to pay thirty six men for going on the Canada Expeditions (viz) to each man £ 6.. 6.. 8 agreeable to a vote of the Town.
The mens names are as follows viz.
To John Sumner, Nathl Tilden Jr., Ethanah Pettengill Richard Mero, Ebenezer Wentworth, Enoch Dickerman Elijah Wentworth, Benjamin Wentworth, Thomas Jordan Stephen Wentworth, Ebenezer Fisher, Timothy Gay, Caleb Thayer, Elijah Drake, Henry Stone Jr., Ezra Tilden Jonathan Belcher, Joseph Belcher, Amos Sedgwick Isaac Talbot, Moses Wales, Thomas Bays, Thomas Allen, Elias Drake, Jacob French Jr., William Talbot William Monte, John Loyd, William Henry, John Tolman Jr., Ebenezer Wood, Benjamin John Jordan Jr., John Hawse Jr., George Mero, Jeremiah Mero, Edmund Littlefield.
Dated at Stoughton the 2 d day of Sept r 1838.
Ben o G. Gill } Rob t Swan } Selectmen W m Shaller } of Jon a Capen } Stoughton Adm m Blackman }
A true copy from the Credit Book belonging to the Town of Stoughton
Attest Enos Talbot Town Treasurer Stoughton May 8 th 1838.

of Joel Tabbeth of Stoneham in the county of Norfolk hereby certify that The following are copies of records and extracts from a Book kept by Samuel Tabbeth late of Stoneham old who at the commencement of the Revolutionary war was a Lieutenant of one of the Militia companies in Stoneham and afterwards Captain of the same company as appears by his commissions now in my possession said Book contains an account of those who engaged in the service of the revolutionary army that lived within the limits of his company which Book is in my possession "The men named that engaged in the minute company in March 1775 & the nineteenth of April went on alarm and did duty 12 days
first service W m Briggs captain Samuel Tabbeth 2 d Lieut
"Jacob French"
2. Service "May 1 st 1775 Engaged in the service for eight Months, William Briggs Capt. Jedediah Southworth 2 d Lieut, and fifty eight other men whose names are as follows "Thomas Curtis & Jacob French engaged for the 8 Months 40 men, were stationed at Newbury"
"Those that engaged in the service for the month of January 1776 under Capt. Payson David Thompson Samuel Tabbeth William Tabbeth Samuel Capen Jacob French, Ebenezer Wood"
"Those that engaged in the service for the months of Feb & March under the command of Capt. Southworth in the limits aforesaid"
  Jedediah Southworth Capt  Lieut Smith    Christopher Wadsworth Serjt  John Smith    Scott Merriam  Joseph Smith Jr    Thomas Allen  Elijah Tilden Jr    John Capen  Ebenezer French    Elias Drake  Wm Tilden    Ebenezer Fisher  Asa Waters    Jacob French  Ebenezer Wood    Amos Guild     Wm Henry     Mather Holmes     Samuel Holmes     Elijah Monk     John Pendergrass   
Their time of service was two months Wages 2-0-0 per Month
"Engaged in the continental service in July 1776 till the last of Nov r these men had a bounty from the Court of 7-0-0 & from the Town 6-6-8 which made 13-6-8 besides 2 dollars for a Blanket and a dollar for the use of their gun which made the bounty to be 14-4-8-0"
  3 Benj m Monk Ensign  Joseph Belcher    John Wadsworth Ensign  John Loyd    2 Isaac Tabbeth Serjt  4 Elias Drake    5 William Monk drummer  Elijah Drake    W m Tabbeth  Thomas Allen    W m Guy  4 W m Henry    4 Jacob French  4 Ebenezer Wood    2 Jonathan Belcher  Jonathan Capen  
N.B. the figures against the names signifies that they have engaged so many times
these men marched for Crown Point the number of them is 16 men
N.B. John Loyd died in the service Sept 11 th 1776

1777
"Engaged in the Service in the winter for three months. Wages 40/ per month"    Joseph Belcher  Andrew Coper  Samuel Holmes Jr    Wm Holbrook  Isaac Morton  John Holmes 2 d    Wm Tilden  Jacob French  Samuel Tolman "    Mather Holmes  Elias Drake   
"Stoughton August 8 th 1777
There was orders from Authority to draft out of the train Band & Storm list every fifth able bodied man to go to the north and still the last of Nov r 3 months accordingly we met & drafted the following persons
  John Dickerman  hired and pay d  2 0 dollars    Peter Gay  hired a man and pay d  60 do t    John Osgood  hired a man & pay d  44 do t 2/8    Philip Holmes Jr  hired and paid  60 do t    Nath l Holmes Jr  hired and paid  70 do t    & Israel Allen  hired & pay d  70 do t    Thomas Glover  hired Jacob French & pay d him  60 do t    Robert Coper  hired a man & pay d     Moses Gay      Sim o Gay      Joseph Smith      Abraham Jordan    
The destination of these men were to Manchester in Vermont under Capt Bradley their wages was 4 = 10 = 0 per month "
"Stoughton June 18 th 1779
so I send to you a resolve of the Genl Court for billeting or detaching the number of men set against this town (which is fourteen) you will therefore assemble your company together in order to enlist or detach five men for the Continental Service agreeable to sd Resolve & in all other respects you will follow the directions therein.
so I remain yours &c
True copy of order from Col Gilt
B Gilt Col
Attest Samuel Tabbet Capt
According to the above orders the Committee billeted out of my company 8 men (viz) Ebenezer Wood Asa Waters Daniel Waters Lem l Smith Wm Merion Christopher Monk Ebenezer Hayden Jacob French S. Tabbet Capt "
"June 1780 Rec d orders to raise 15 men out of the 6 Comp y to serve for 6 Months the company was assembled on the 26 th & the following persons were engaged (viz) Wm Smith Dan l Waters Ephraim Payson Daniel Drake Jacob French James Allen Thomas Allen Eben r Wood John Wadsworth Jesse Monk George Monk George Harrington Pompey Wallis These men march d July 5 th for Springfield Sam l Tabbet Capt "
The foregoing are all true copies of the record before mentioned except the records of the first & second services they being abridged by leaving out the names of men all that were in those two records
Norfolk Jy. May 10 th 1838 Then personally appeared the above named Joel Tabbet who is a credible witness and made oath that the foregoing are true copies from the records left by his father Samuel Tabbet according to the statement by him subscribed before me Jesse Pierce Justice of the Peace

3490 N.Y. va Esther French widow of Jacob.
adm'd 2 years pri 80 $
no deduction
Hon. M. Fillmore
K 3490. Application — Esther French for a pension
See Vol. 4, p. 213 — 6 mo. in 80 " " 212 — 12 days 75 " " 214 — 20

"E!!"
Statement or schedule of the times & duration of the service of Jacob French of Houghton, Norfolk Co. Mass - in the Continental Army - Thus. as per James Swan's letter Nov 11th. day
 1. 1875: March - Engaged in minutemen on 19 April went on duty to Roxbury under Capt. Wm Briggs - 12  2. " - May 1 - Enlisted - - - - - Dorr's Company 8. -  3. 1776: Jan 1. Enlisted (Capt. Faxon's Company) Stationed at Roxbury - 1. -  4. " Feb. 1 - Enlisted (Capt. Seddiah Southworth's do) & Stationed at Dorchester Hill - 2. -  5. " July - Enlisted in Continental service till last of Nov & marched to Crown Point Capt. not known - Ensign Benjamin Morris 5. -  6. 1777 Enlisted in the winter (Capt. Stephen Penniman's Company - Col. Wm Francis Regt - Stationed at Dorchester Hill near Boston) 3. -  7. " Aug 8 Went to Manchester Vermont (Capt. Brady) - -  8. 1779 June Enlisted into Continental service for New York with men in Capt. Roddard's Comp & Col. Dorr's Regiment - -  9. 1780 June 26 Enlisted for Town of Houghton for three chgs for Springfield July 5th 6. 5 
Making in actual service twenty five months 12 days = 25.12 beside 7th & 8th time of going out - first once for New York - once for Springfield which was for some months at least.
By this schedule (i. e. the account of Mr Swan) it will be perceived - Jacob French was in service twice subsequent to his marriage -
Edmund Massie
Buffalo 30 March 1838.

"A. 11" Statement or Schedule of the time & duration of the service - of Jacob French of Houghton Norfolk Co. Mass in the Continental army, - as per depositions taken by Joel Tabbat - Certified from Records -

"A" - see LeGrand Mason's dep n
Statement of the time & duration of the service of Jacob French of Houghton, Mass. in the War of the Revolution - as gathered from depositions - and certificates of records in said Houghton
   months days     1 st 1775 April 19 Winton alarm & duty (see certificate) - 12   2 nd " May 1 In service (Capt. W m Priggs Co y ) at Roxbury till last Dec r & from 2 nd Lieut. Thomas Carleton (see certificate) (deposition) 3 8.   3 rd 1776 Jan'y 1 In service one month (certificate) 1 -   4 th " Feb 1 " " (Capt. Southworth's Co y ) till April 1-2 1776: (Asa Water's deposition) 3 2.   5 th " Sept 2 " " on Canada expedition £6. 6s. 8d. (Bro. Talbot's dep n ) if 2 £ as in another case from per month - this amt. should be 3 05   6 th 1779 June " " (Capt. Webb's Co y under Col. Sheppard & Genl. Glover's Brigade) (Asa Water's dep n & certificate) 4 15   7 th 1780 June " " to Springfield - thence to Westport till discharged (Edward French's dep n also certificate) 6 -   8 th 1776 July " " to Brown Point till last Nov r (Certificate) 5 -   9 th 1777 Winter " " (Certificate) 3 -   10 th " Aug 8 " " on draft from Town (Certificate) 3 -  
From the above Jacob French served - - 36.02 i.e. three years & 2 days = 36 months 2 days
From the Town Clerk's certificate "B" Jacob French was married to Esther Hale May 26. 1779; Hence they were married prior to Jacob's last two periods of service. That the widow is the true widow is shown by her daughter Mrs. Hall's deposition - & the identity is well proven too by my notes of information from Mrs. French - the first time I called to see her (see "A") & the statements by her being so well corroborated by others - subsequent. She still maintains her husband had always counted full 54 months of his service -
LeGrand Mason Buffalo 19 May 1858

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 163-48
Esther French widow of Jacob French of New Haven
Act July 4th 36
Index: Vol. a , Page 257
[Arrangement of 1870.]

✓ New York
Esther French
Left Let to Hon. Mr. Fillmore
June 7, 1838

Hon
Millard Fillmore
No. 6.
Washington D.C.
mail

Buffalo 27 June '38
Dear Mr. Fillmore,
Enclosed is on further requests of the Pension Office. — I suspect they did not get hold of all the papers. As you have information frequent on the Pension matters. — Permit me to ask from what time would Mrs French draw her pension — in case she concluded to receive the 14 months 14 days? — (Copy from April 1830) 2 nd By accepting now the pension as of 14 months 14 days, would it militate against our ultimately getting anything by application to Congress? —
If your time is not too much engrossed I would consider a favor to me — could you see Mr. Edwards — & glance at my statement "H" of Certificate "I" — as contained in papers of Mrs. French. I do think the evidence there , is of the highest kind, this late day should be expected to afford. That the application is in good faith may be known by my affidavit of my doings in the matter. With much esteem Yr ob. fide. S. Grand Mearns
N.B. In case Edwards cannot be convinced that the services amounted to 24 more than the time required to entitle her to a full pension — we must decide again — so that she can't draw again.

Mar 31. 1840
2187 36
Pension Office.
War Department
Washington
D.C.
Million
Esther Friend N.Y. 1840
Mail

Charles Laflin - candidate for a pension:-
1781
Enlisted in July or August, for "9 months, or during War " for Union township - Windham (now Holland County) Connecticut. -
Joined the Army in August 1781 - at Horse necks - Lord Cornwallis was taken the fall following: -
Laflin was in Captain W m Moulton's Company, -
The higher officers were -
Walter Berry or Waterberry the Commanding Officer John Ruben
Humphrey _____ the Major Bull " Adjutant
Moulton Sergeant Major - belonged A brother of the Captain belonged to same.
Company - with this candidate for pension John Russell: - Sergeant belonged Also to the same Company -
John Rubery & Alvin Mercer enlisted at same time
Sir: Above you have a brief statement of information sent us touching a Revolutionary Soldier who is desirous of obtaining a pension - in his old age - My object now is to ascertain
1. Whether Charles Laflin's name is on the rolls returned to the War office. - He would be set down in the Connecticut Line I opine, tho. I think Horse Neck - is near if not the State of New York. The commanding officers name you have above also the Captain's. - 2. If the name is found - What do the returns show was the term of his enlistment. - 3. The time he actually continued in the service You see my object is to see if I can not get the requisite proof of enlistment, - from the files of the War Department. -

leaving to be proven only the identity of the applicant. Please favor us with yr reply by express mail , if consistent — Oblige Truly —
Yr obedt Servt
LeGrand & Geo. Marvin per LeGrand Marvin Buffalo 25 Feb '40.
Samuel V. Edwards Esq.
..I preferred directing to you — without the intervention of my former counsel by my friends in Congress.
N.B. Esther French: a widow pensioner died late in August last — of course, some one wd be en- titled to draw from 4 March 1839 — till her decease at rate of $80. the year. — She left some daughter — Who cd. draw it — what evidence wd be required? Wd. you require — letters of administration to be taken out for the sheer getting the balance of that pension? — Have you a circular with directions how to meet such contingency? — Please let us hear as soon as is truly — L'G & G. M.

House of Rep July 3. 1838.
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose you a letter from De Grasse Martin, Esq. Buffalo, N.Y. in relation to the application of Mrs. French for a pension.
I also enclose another addressed to myself and will thank you for the information asked by that, as I have not time to make a personal call. Please return this letter.
Respectfully Yours Millard Fillmore
J. L. Edwards Esq. Hon. of Pensions.

House of Rep May June 1: 1838.
Sir,
I have just received the enclosed from L. Grant Marvin Esq. Buffalo, N.Y. in relation to an application for a pension by Esther French .
I hope you will give the case a favor- able consideration, but if not allowed, please return the papers to me, as he desires that I should present them to Congress. He informs me that he had just forwarded the papers to you or the Secy. of War by mail.
Respectfully Yours, William Fillmore
J. L. Edwards Esq Com. of Pensions.

May 6. 42.
Esther French My Wk 38

Bank of the Metropolis May 6. 1842
The Home Mr. Tilton has presented at this Office, the enclosed large papers to make them a record the papers in the name of Esther French - I do not find this name on our list - Will Mr. Gannett, be good enough to say whether the papers is payable at this place, & if so, whether the papers are in due form? If not in form, what would be require to enable Mr. Tilton to collect the papers.
R. A. Millbury

James S. Edwards Esq. Court Pension Office Washington D.C.

Darius N. Edwards Esq.
Enclosed you receive papers in application of Esther French for a pension - as a widow of Jacob French - a Revolutionary soldier. By referring to first page of the papers - will be found a list of all the papers - which will I trust show conclusively the right of a poor - blind widow to some little aid towards her own support & the support of a widowed daughter & family. By this mail, I send a letter of this matter to my friend Hon d Millard Fillmore - M. C. from this district. Your early attention to this matter would very much oblige the applicant - as also, With sentiments of respect,
Yr. ob t friend
Edward Marvin
Buffalo 25 May '58
Recd. July 4. 1856: Acc. 3.-

J. C. Edwards Esq. Pension Office Washington D. C.

In application Mrs Esther French for a Pension.
Buffalo - 27 June 1858;
J. S. Edwards Esq.
In favor of 7 th inst. acknowledging the receipt of the papers of Mrs Esther French widow of Jacob French, was duly rec d thro. Hon. Mr. Fillmore.
You add "It is stated in the memorandum of James Swan that the claimant's husband served under Captains Briggs, Payson, Southworth, Penniman, Bradley & Stoddard - the last mentioned of Col. Vose's Regt & that he was one of the six months levies in 1780 from the town of Houghton. - But by the rolls and documents in this office, which have been carefully examined, the statement in the memorandum referred to above, is not confirmed, except as to the service under Captain Briggs viz. 8 months and 14 days & 5 months in the Service, - in all 14 months and 14 days."
I fear there has been a misapprehension as to the cause of the Certificate or memorandum of James Swan being enclosed. - One was, that it was on the same half sheet with his certificate of Mrs French's marriage - & could not well be detached; - another reason of its being included was to evidence how nearly Swan's certificate coincided with Esq. Talbot's sworn extract from the Books of the Company at Houghton - kept by his father - which contains the only records of the Service - except what you have. - Be so good as to bear in mind

that we do not rely upon the memorandum of of James Swan town Clerk of Houghton to fix the amount of service done by Jacob French. — That is but a memorandum, & without other proof we in fact should have no proof. —
We rely for proof, and of the highest kinds, the authenticity of the services — & the nature of the expeditions (at or before our national existence admits) — We rely, I repeat, for proof of the services upon
1 st the depositions of persons — in the service with Jacob French 2 d the said extract from the records of the Company in Houghton which are sworn to by Esqr. Talbot. —
These depositions & said extract fully substantiate the claim for a whole pension by proof that Jacob French served upwards of two years in the Revolutionary War — the time required by the Law — & further that he served 3 years and 5 days — if the copy now before me is correct. —
On the last 1/2 sheet of the papers I sent you, you will find my estimate or summary of the services as contained in Certificate "D" which will show you upon what we rely for the amount of services. —
In that certificate "D" — (papers therein enclosed) — you will discover the proof to sustain my statement.

In the 8 th ser n of Rules of Pension Office July 9. 1836- directing the proof for pensions - I find that
"The claimant must, in every case where there is "no record or documentary proof of the revolutionary "service of the deceased officer or soldier, - produce "the testimony of at least one credible witness. - "Traditional evidence will be deemed useful in "every case". -
Now, My Sir, we have not only the declar- ation of the claimant of her husband having served 54 months. - but we have the deposition of sundry persons to his having served - to wit by Edwards French 6 - months - pension " Thomas Curbiss 8 - " - " in all 14 - " - "
Curbiss swears again after being himself with Jacob French, French he again entered the service - Again we have the extract from the muster books (a record certainly) and then the record of Capt. Talbot of Houghton Co., N.Y. - as will be seen more plain from Certificate "D" & Statement "F" in the papers by you received: - to which permit me again to refer you.
Mr. French then widowed daughter feel that justice will not be done them, by the amount of pension you stated. I too do not per- ceive why when we have proof , we should be limited to the rolls &c - in your office. Please favor me with an early reply - Very Respectfully Yr friend E. G. Marvin
MARVIN & ALLEN, Attorneys, Solicitors, Proctors, Advocates and Counsellors, In the several New York State, and U. S. District and Circuit Courts, 170 MAIN-STREET,
BUFFALO.
LeGrand Marvin, ? Horatio P. Allen, ?
Aug. 1836.
Geo. L. Marvin, same Office.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
May 21 st , 1842.
Sir:—
Under the date of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States,"
The child of Esther French, — deceased, late a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N. York, Agency, at the rate of Eighty — Dollars and
— Cents per annum, under the law of the 1 st July 1836, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of March 1839, to the 1 st August 1840.
Respectfully Yours,
W. L. Gann
COMPTROLLER.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.